How we cite our quotes: (Part.Sentence)
Quote #1
We now stand ten years past the midpoint of a century that has witnessed four major wars among great nations. Three of these involved our own country. Despite these holocausts America is today the strongest, the most influential and most productive nation in the world. Understandably proud of this pre-eminence, we yet realize that America's leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment. (II.1-4)
Although the U.S. has been at war in recent decades, the latest conflicts pale in comparison to the "four major wars" Ike refers to here. Holocaust isn't a strong enough word, and really, there just aren't words for the destruction and suffering of the early 20th century. It's important to remember that when reading about the policies and rhetoric of the time.
Quote #2
Progress toward these noble goals is persistently threatened by the conflict now engulfing the world. It commands our whole attention, absorbs our very beings. We face a hostile ideology-global in scope, atheistic in character, ruthless in purpose, and insidious in method. Unhappily the danger it poses promises to be of indefinite duration. (III.4-7)
For decades, America had a constant enemy—Soviet communism— that was used to justify all sorts of campaigns, interventions, and modern-day witch hunts. To Ike's dismay, the Cold War used up huge amounts of American resources, labor, and energy. Too often, the ideals of freedom Ike spoke about were trampled on because of the perception of an imminent mortal danger. Plenty of politicians like Richard Nixon and Joseph McCarthy milked those perceptions to further their political careers.
Quote #3
A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction. (IV. 1-2)
There's a lot to recommend this attitude, whether you're a nation-state or an individual living in a rough neighborhood (it's good to know some martial arts if you ever have to defend yourself, is what we're saying). But how mighty is mighty enough? That's exactly what kept Ike awake nights.